Listen, we know that when the Bible talks about “every good and perfect gift,” it’s not referring to that cute scarf or that adorable travel mug. Things don’t matter as much as people, and God is above and before it all. And yet, even knowing and believing that, we still love to find the perfect gifts for the people on our shopping lists because it’s just one way of reminding them that they are important to us (any others out there whose love language is giving gifts?!)—particularly now, when we may not get to see each other in person.

Speaking of giving gifts, before we go any further, we’re excited to announce a giveaway! We gathered some of the items from this list into a big giveaway just for one lucky winner. Actually, there’s lots of stuff, so let’s make that three giveaways! Read to the end to find out how to win.

The “perfect” gift doesn’t have to be a thing—it could be the promise of a future coffee date, a hand-crafted item, a plate of Christmasy cookies or chocolate-dipped pretzels, a framed photo of a favorite memory, or a hand-written note or prayer. But if you choose to buy some gifts, here are a bunch of our favorite things, offered by individual artists and authors or organizations you can feel good about supporting.

So (drumroll, please!)… in no particular order, here we go!

Unique, artistic gifts created by talented individuals:

Maggie at Bgoodstudio—Gorgeous hand-crafted, artistic jewelry.

4 Fosters Candles—Hand-made, small-batch candles and wax melts.

Jodie Barrett’s 25 Days of Praise card set and Jingle and Joy: Praying Beneath the Tree—Both of these items stand alone, but they’re even more powerful when used together. Infuse the holidays with meaning and grow closer to the Lord, the source of all joy, by praising Him and meeting Him beneath the tree.

Stationery Sets by Laura Adams—these fun, high-quality stationery sets make a great gift, and proceeds go to the Letter Project (learn more here). While you’re there, check out her site for lots more cute stuff!

Kelly Stanley’s 2021 Prayer Prompt Calendar will infuse fun and creativity—and so much color—into your prayer life. Check out her site for a large variety of prayer tools, resources, and books, including some free downloads.

Crew + Co—filled with devotion cards, scripture cards, stickers, mugs and gifts for all ages, these are some of the most fun, colorful items we’ve seen around. And since they all point you to prayer and scripture, you can’t go wrong!

Well-Watered Women Co.—Apparel, gifts, journals, and resources to help you explore the Word of God. We particularly like the Jot It Down Journal, intended for recording sermon notes.

Books by some of our favorite authors:

We could list a ton! But we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our personal favorites. We’ve only listed one book apiece, but many of these authors offer many (and they’re all wonderful), so check them all out!

Joykeeper by Suzie Eller—During a hard season, Suzanne Eller discovered six surprising biblical truths about joy. Those truths helped her see joy and God in a new light, and you are invited to embrace those same truths!

The Gathering Table by Gingham Apron—Filled with beautiful photography and inspirational writing, The Gathering Table follows this Iowa farm family through a year of gatherings that strengthen relationships, establish and deepen family traditions, and showcase God’s gift of great food. With complete menus, easy-to-follow recipes, devotional readings, prayers, and plenty of inspiring and customizable ideas for everything from intimate family gatherings to larger community events, this book will become your go-to resource for entertaining and enjoying life—together!

Shift by Abby McDonald—Shift explores the life-changing truth that when we adjust our lens to focus our eyes on God rather than on what we wish we were seeing in our lives, He reveals himself to us.

Loved and Cherished by Lynn Cowell and Michelle Nietert—A girl needs to know that she is enough because of God’s love. This beautiful devotional is specifically geared towards tween girls, who are at a critical time of developing perceptions of themselves they’ll carry for a lifetime.

Coloring the Scriptures by Jana Kennedy-Spicer—This beautifully drawn book makes a great gift (for others or for your own quiet time). Pair with a set of colored pencils or markers to make it even better!

Joy for Everyday Life by Mitzi Neely—Learn how to persevere through circumstances that are not always joyful by freeing ourselves of the world’s perspective and grabbing hold of the absolute certainty and hope of the One True God.

Rest Now by Kelly Balarie—If you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. This book offers permission to breathe by describing seven ways to say no, set boundaries, and size joy.

And last, but certainly not least, don’t forget the Sisterhood Ministries devotional, Better Together, and journal (and a few other items like cards and stickers in our Etsy shop).

Charitable Organizations:

Fashion and Compassion—Creates empowerment communities to help vulnerable women overcoming situations like human trafficking, abuse, addiction, and ethnic persecution by helping them connect with God, one another, and resources they need. They train artisans to create bags, jewelry, decor, and more, and partner with NGOs and artisan groups in Africa and South and Central America.

Papillion Marketplace—A young mother of two wanted to add to her family through adoption. After spending a week at an orphanage in Haiti, she discovered these children had mothers who were alive, but too poor to care for their children. She founded Papillon to provide jobs for at risk mothers, so that they would be able to keep their kids.

Threads of Hope Textiles—This non-profit economic development project supports disadvantaged artisans around the world by purchasing their absolutely stunning textiles (Christmas decorations, bags, and decor) and selling them in the US, with all proceeds returned to those communities.

Organizations that source to provide jobs for hurting/underprivileged

Laughing Man Coffee—delicious 100% Fair Trade Arabica Coffees (available as whole beans, ground coffee, and K-Cups!)

Ten Thousand Villages—A global maker‑to‑market movement that breaks the cycle of generational poverty and ignites social change. By shopping with intention for ethically-sourced wares, you can share in the joy of empowering makers in ten thousand villages.

Causebox—One of the most socially conscious subscription boxes on the market, every box is stuffed with high-quality, ethically-sourced products (from jewelry to accessories to home decor and more). You can feel good about what you buy and save substantially over normal retail prices.

“Great, now get to the good stuff—how do I win?”

We’re glad you asked. Do you know someone who might find this list of resources helpful? Tag them on social media or email this post to them, then go to Facebook or Instagram and follow at least three of the authors/artists/organizations listed in this post. Finally, come back here and leave a comment telling us you’ve done that (we’re operating on the honor system, so don’t let us down!), and we’ll enter you to win one of three prize packages. Do it all before Friday, December 4 and watch your email to see if you’ve won!

Prize package #1:  Jodie Barrett’s Jingle and Joy signed book plus the 25 Days of Praise card set; 4 Fosters candle; earrings by Maggie at bgoodstudios; 2021 Prayer Prompt Calendar by Kelly Stanley

Prize package #2: Earrings by Maggie at bgoodstudios; Sisterhood Ministries Better Together devotional and journal; Sisterhood Scripture and Encouragement Sticker Sets

Prize package #3: 4 Fosters wax melts; Earrings by Maggie at bgoodstudios; InstaPrayer: Prayers to Share book by Kelly Stanley; Sisterhood Ministries “joy” notecards